While you're using the free, open source VLC media player on a machine on your home network, you can pause, rewind, fast-forward and manipulate the playlist using the Remote Interface widget from another Mac. This works great for controlling pre-remote Macs, like my G4 Powerbook, which is hooked up to the TV across the room via S-video. The VLC Remote Interface Dashboard Widget is a free download, Mac only. —Gina Trapani